Beer has reached the final of a television competition to find the country’s village of the year.

Actress Penelope Keith is hosting Channel 4’s new programme to find out the very best of what village life has to offer.

The winner of the competition will win the prestigious title and £10,000 to spend on a community project.

If triumphant, Beer residents look to spend the prize money on improving the play area on The Jubilee.

Councillor Ursula Makepeace said: “This is the play centre for the village, no doubt about it, and it needs improving.

“It was one thing experiencing it all when they visited but it was quite interesting seeing it on the television as its going to be broadcasted across Great Britain and knowing that people will be watching it.

Throughout the competition, the host and judges have been impressed by the village Beer’s fishing heritage, lace making past as well as the community spirit.

The village saw off Sherston, Clovelly and Llanllyfni in the heats before being put through to face Aberdaron, Mousehole, Colwinston and Polperro in Saturday’s semi final.

Judges Alex Langlands, Juliet Sergeant and Patrick Grant had to choose which of the five villages was to represent the western region in the final.

Patrick, who judged the Great British Sewing Bee, said the village was his favourite and was backed by colleague Alex who said the prize money would enhance village life for young people.

Patrick said: “The people who live there are so devoted to it and not just devoted to the physical place, devoted to the traditions of the place, the lugger boats, the lace making. I want to see these old crafts retained, they are important to us as a nation and I think Beer is doing everything right.”

Beer will now feature in the grand final on Saturday, February 10.

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How did Beer fare in its Village of the Year heat?Beer to compete to be named TV’s Village of the Year and win £10,000